TRAGIC orphan gorilla Shufai has always been a jungle VIP in the eyes of award-winning British animal aid worker Rachel Hogan.

She nursed him back from near death when he was found badly wounded and clutching his mother as she lay dying, having been shot by poachers in the African rainforest.

The baby gorilla’s story touched the nation’s hearts when the Sunday Express told how Rachel had even taught him to “laugh” while he recovered from the trauma with a limb shattered by shotgun pellets.

Eight years on, after risky surgery to amputate his arm, Shufai is managing to climb trees again at a sanctuary in Cameroon. This week viewers will see the harrowing moment British vets had to decide whether to remove his limb to spare him a life of agony.

Shufai is a star of BBC One’s new prime-time series Operation Wild which follows pioneering vets as they treat exotic creatures around the globe. He was a victim of the bushmeat trade that sees hunters pillaging the rainforests. Ape flesh is especially prized.

Rachel, 38, and her team first have to ensure the baby apes in their care overcome the grief of becoming orphans.

Rachel nursed Shufai back from certain death [REX]

They knew there was something different about Shufai

Rachel Hogan

In 2006 we told how she travelled to Africa and endured bouts of malaria to fulfil a childhood dream of helping gorillas and chimpanzees.

Hands-on therapy of plenty of tickles and cuddles helps the orphans recover and sees them in fits of “giggles” as they feel the safety of kind hands.

Eight months after Shufai’s surgery, Rachel describes the touching moment he was welcomed back by his troop.

“When he came round from his anaesthetic all the gorillas were in a satellite cage next to him. He showed them his arm and they put their hands through and gently touched it.

“When he later joined the group they were all very gentle and curious.

“They knew there was something different about Shufai but even when they were playing with him, they would wrestle but still cradle his arm with their hands. It was fantastic to watch.”